Combination lock



OCL 29, J SCHLITZ COMBINATION LOCK Filed Novi 1, 1932 s sheets-sheet 1 IOct. 29, 1935. J. scLlTz 2,018,745

COMBINATION LOCK Filed Nov. 1, 1932 e sheets-sheet 2 mim! lllllllllll l 6; o wlw-fe Oct. 29, 1935. J. scHLlTz COMBINATION LOCK Filed Nov. l, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Oct. 29, 1935. J. scHLl-rz COMBINATION LOCK Filed Nov. l, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Oct. 29, 1935. J. scHLlTz COMBINATION LOCK Filed Nov. l, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 wf/WR oct. 29, 1935. J, SCHUTZ A 2,018,745

COMBINATION LOCK ,'Flecl Nov. l, 1932 6 Shee'ts-Sheet 6 Patented Oct. 29, 1935 UNITED STATES COMBINATION LOCK John Schlitz, Leavenworth, Kans., assignor of one-half to Ida Wilhelm Brugger, Bronxville,

Application November 1, 1932, serial No. 640,637

23 Claims.

This invention relates to locks and primarily to that type of devices generally known as combination locks, and an object of the invention is the provision of simple and eiilcient means for locking or unlocking the device, as the authorized operator so desires.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lock of this character adaptable'for various uses with a means whereby the proper person may quickly manipulate the mechanism operation thereof.

Another object is toproviie means whereby the movement of one controlling member is prevented from being transmitted to another thereby insuring that said member will be retained in its predetermined position after being set to effect the unlocking of the lock.

A further object is to provide a lock of this character that will be strong,v durable and simple in construction, positive in operation, one that is practically impossible to open unless the combination is known, and which cannot be tampered wit-h to effect a separation of the lock, and is inexpensive to manufacture.

The invention has a further object the provisions of a means whereby the combination may be readily changed or altered if desired.

With the above and other objects in view, my present invention embodies the peculiar feature of construction and novel arrangement of parts set forth in the following description, specically stated in the appended claims and illustrated in the accompanying six sheetsiof drawings, wherein like characters indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a device constructed in accordance with my invention,

Figure 2 is a similar view, with parts in elevation and in section, and showing the lock with a bolt used to lock two members together;

Figure 3 is a central vertical sectional View with part of the bolt shaft or shackle in elevation;

Figure 4 is a sectional view on the line 4 4 of Figure 3, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 5 is a sectional view on the line 5 5 of Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows;

AFigure 6 is a front elevation of the dial face of the improved lock;

Figure 7 is a central vertical sectional view through the casing and combination head;

Figure 8 is a similar view of Figure 5, but showing the jaws in open position;

Figure 9 is a sectional view on the line 9--9 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 10 is a side view o; one oi the combina,-

tion rings, with edge view alignment of four combination rings in connection, shown by dotted lines;

Figure 11 shows one side and top view of the jaws; 5

Figure 12 shows one back view of the Jaw;

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the jaw;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the guide ring for the jaws;

Figure 15 is a sectional view through the casing 10 and the combination head on line l5-I5 of Figure 6 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the combination head;

Figure 1'7 is an enlarged sectional view of the l5 combination rings and jaws;

Figure 18 shows the push button and the key member in relation to one another;

Figure 19 shows a vertical sectional view of one jaw with the longitudinally extending pin re- 2o moved;

Figure 20 is an elevation of a modified form of my improved lock, showing the lock portion enclosed in a water-proof covering;

Figure 21 is a similar view of Figure 20 showing 25 the bolt and the water-proof covering for the lock in section;

Figure 22 is a sectional view of the water-proof covering for the lock;

Figure 23 is a detail elevation of the bolt; 30

Figure 24 is a sectional view of another form of attachment, the bolt portion being in elevation, and in dotted lines the several positions the bolt may be placed;

Figure 25 shows aperspective view of Figure 24 35 of the bolt and plates;

Figure 26 shows a perspective View oi another form of bolt;

Figure 27 is an elevation of my lock applied to a steering wheel in which for example the hub of the Wheel may act as the casing or housing for the lock; Figure 28 is a vertical sectional view of the lock applied to a steering wheel, with the bolt or shaft in elevation and the steering Wheel shaft housing in section;

Figure 29 is a vertical sectional view through the lock housing of the steering wheel;

Figure 30 is a sectional view and a back view in 50 elevation of one of the elements;

Figure 31 is an enlarged sectional view of the `combination head;

Figure 32 is a top plan view of the steerln Wheel with my lock in position;

Figure 33 is a top view of another modified form of my lock attached to a steering wheel;

Figure 34 is a side elevation of Figure 33;

Figure 35 is a vertical sectional view of Figure 34 showing parts in elevation, in locked position;

Figure 36 is a view similar to Figure 35, showing the jaws in opened position;

Figure 37 is a view similar to Figure 35, but showing the jaws in closed position and unlocked from the steering shaft;

Figure 38 is a top view of the combination head with the key member control removed;

Figure 39 is a side view of the cam plate;

Figure 40 is a sectional view of the closure member on the line iD-40 of Figure 41 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 41 is a rear view in plan of Figure 40;

Figure 42 is a perspective view of the key member;

Figure 43 is an enlarged view of the steering wheel lock with the housing in section and the interior parts in elevation;

Figure 44 is an enlarged sectional view of the steering wheel with my improved lock in position;

Figure 45 is an enlarged view of my improved lock as applied within a wall of a. strong box; and

Figure 46 is a sectional view through the casing and the combination head of my improved lock as applied within a. wall of a strong box.

In the accompanying drawings, the numeral 36 indicates a housing having a cylindrical bore 33, extending from one end 32 to the other end 3|, the end 3| being of smaller diameter than. end 32.

A jaw guide ring 8| is held in place by a groove 49 to prevent 8| from turning within the bore 33. in that the tip 50 is forced into the groove 49, said jaw guide ring 8| being further provided with transverse guide grooves 58 in which t the guide ribs 59 of the jaws 64 so that the jaws are movably held, and controlled in the opening and closing movements of the jaws. The jaws are segmental and when in closed position, the jaws form a ring with their side edges contacting.

A cam plate 4I of iiat round washer type has one center hole 1D which acts as a passage for the bolt head 'l5 through 10 into socket 3l of the combination head 36, said cam plate having a circular outer rim engaging the circular side wall of recess 40 of the combination head 36.

The cam plate 4| ts snugly within said recess 40 in part 36. Said outer rim of cam plate 4 I having four equally spaced key notches 69-69 in which fits the key member 42. Said cam plate having also the same number of long curved oblong slots 68 as there are jaws in the casing, and said slots curving slightly outward to give the necessary leverage for lifting the jaws outward as well as forcing the jaws inward when the cam plate 4| is turned about seventy degrees. A section of the pin 65 of each jaw rests in the curved oblong slots 68. The motion of about seventy degrees rotation of the camplate4| forces the pins 65 from one extreme end of the slots to the other, thus producing the inward and outward movements to close and open the jaws.

The combination head 36 enters the large opening of the casing in the act of assembling this lock and is positioned to project beyond end 3| with an annular shoulder flange 39 of the combination head fitting the cylindrical wall 33 of the casing 30, and rests against a casing shoulder formed by the rim 3|, said opening or rim 3| of the casing fits snugly around the intermediate circular rim 38 of the combination head 36 as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 7, and said head 36 has a pocket 46 which receives the coil spring 41 and the push button 45 with the key member 42. The exterior of the pocket 46 forms two protruding knobs, seen extending upon the rounded face of 5 the combination head which act as a finger hold by which the combination head is turned. Said head 36 has a degree hand 48 stamped in the rounded face, of which the sunken stamped section is lled with luminous matter which will 10 make the hand visible in the dark, and which at the point borders the dial face 34 of the casing as shown in Figures 1, 6, 7, 27, 32 and 35. A dial face is provided with stamped sunken degrees and here shown for example with letters from A 15 to Z stamped thereon which are filled also with luminous matter that has the power to make the letters and degrees visible in the dark.

Said combination head 36 has one longitudinally extending groove 44 as shown in Figures 7, 15 l0 and 16, in which the key member 42 fits as shown l in Figures 3 and 16, said key member having moved to outward position against the inner wall of the housing by the action of the spring 4'| which rests under the button .45, and said but- 25 ton 45 having a slot 43 cut in its side, houses a short section of the key member 42 as shown in Figures 3 and 18. Said key groove 44 is greater in depth than the thickness of the key member 42 which rests therein. Said greater depth per- 30 mits the key member 42 to move inwardly when the button 45 is pressed.

A connection is formed between the key member and the combination rings when the key member is in outward position against the cylin-` 35 drical walls of the housing in that the tip 83 of the key member 42 comes in contact with a flange 61 of the nearest combination ring 82 as shown 1' n Figures 10 and 43.

Said combination head has a seal groove 84 to 40 act as a hand pointer to the degrees of the dial face and at the same time as a means for placing a seal on the lock to prevent the combination head from being turned and thus prevent the lock from being opened by chance, in that a seal wire 45 86 may be placed in said groove 84 and drawn through the seal hole 85 of the housing as shown in Figure 15. The groove 84 and the seal hole 85 serve the same purpose in the lock shown in Figures 27 and 32. The seal groove 84 as shown 50 in Figures 1, 2, 6, 15, 27 and 32 and also in the combination head of the class in Figure 33 can not be used with a lock as shown in Figs. 33 to 44 which are of dierent design and require a seal hole H3 and notch I|4 as shown in Fig. 37. On 55 the other hand the seal hole I3 and seal notch I|4 are not applied in a combination head ||8 if said combination head ||0 is applied to a lock as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

A disconnection between the key member and 60 the combination ring takes place when the key member is moved inward as result of pressure on the push button 45.

This action produces a connection with the cam plate 4| in that the key member 42 enters 65 one of the key notches 69 as shown in Figure 9, thus a firm connection is obtained between the key member, the cam plate and the combination head, by turning the combination head about seventy degrees to the right all jaws are forced 70 open and the jaws are closed by turning the combination head about seventy degrees to the left in that the pins 65 of the jaws are forced to act within the curved oblong slots 68 of the cam plate 4| as shown in Figure 9.

The casing 30 has two knurled outer border rims 19 to facilitate the turning of the`casing, or holding the casing while the combination head 36 is turned.

A closure member 16 is threaded in the open end of the casing and is held in position by a set screw 18 which passes through a diagonally threaded hole 11 in the member 16 and has its outer end engaging a socket 35 in the casing which locks the member 16 to the casing in such a manner as to prevent the member 16 from being unscrewed while the bolt 1| is connected to parts of the housing, shown in Figures 3 and 7. As will be seen, the set screw 18 is threaded into the hole in the member 16 from the bore of said member so that when the lock is placed on the bolt 1|, it will be impossible to remove the set screw 18 and thus gain access to the interior parts of the lock. This bolt 1| is formed with one or more annular grooves 14 or one or more annular collars ||8 adapted to receive the inner ends of the jaws 64 as shown in Figures 3, 4, 8, 28 and 36, so that these jaws will lock the casing to the bolt.

A plurality of combination rings 82-82 are placed in the casing and surround the jaws and each ring is formed with the same number of deep notches 66 as there are jaws in the casing. Said notches receive the pins 65 of the jaws as shown in Figures 10 and 44, it being understood that all combination rings have the same number. of deep notches as there are pins in the jaws, so that when the rings have been movedv to place the deep notches 66 in alignment with the pins, the jaws can be spread apart, if the deep notches are not aligned with the pins, the jaws cannot be spread apart to release the bolt 1| as the pins striking other portion of the rings, will prevent the jaws from being moved to releasing outward position.- Thus it is absolutely necessary to move all the combination rings to a certain predetermined position before the jaws can be moved to releasing position and in order to do this I provide a combination dial on each of the rings with the same number of divisions as degrees on the dial face of the casing. Said divisions are made by short cuts 61 which will allow bending of portions between the cuts to produce anges 61 as shown in Figure 10. From one to more division sections 61 of said combination rings are bent to the left side sufficiently to meet the bends or flanges of adjoining rings as shown in Figure 43, thus the rst ring is not to be moved until its flange 61' touches a bent flange of the next ring.

The touch of flanges 61' furnishes connection between rings, from ring to ring until the furthest ring has been moved into position, the second ring is then placed in position, then the third and the fourth, the last ring, as shown in Figure 43.

For instance, the combination code may be S-M-I-T", the dial hand will in that case be turned forward right to S, and then left to M, and right to I, and left to T", and all notches 66 of the combination rings will be in line to receive the pins 65 of the jaws. The last act after the degree hand 48 has been stopped at the last letter of the said code, is to turn the degree hand 48 to the right about 180 degrees while pressing the button until the key member 42 gives way to the depth of one of the key notches 69 which may be found in the neighborhood of the degrees. The act of pressing the pushbutton forces the key member into and guides the jaws straight from and to thc the key groove 44 and further into one of the key notches 69 of the cam plate 4|, as shown in Figure 9.

After this has been accomplished, then about a seventy degrees turn to the right will rotate 5 the cam plate, and as a result will force the jaws apart and release the bolt 1| in that the jaws will have suiiicient spread to permit the bolt head 15 of the bolt 1| to pass'from between the jaws, as shown in Figures 3, 8 and 36. Each jaw 10 is formed with a solid jaw section 80 which fits into an annular groove for example 14 of the bolt 1|, and is also formed with a guide shield 60, Figure l2, which rests against the guide ring 8|, shown in Figure 14. Said guide shield hav- 15 ing a guide rib 59 which ts into the transverse guide groove 58 of the guide ring 8|, shown in Figures 2, 11, 12, -13, 44, 46 and 14. Said guide ring keeps the jaws in their respective places 20 center in their outward and inward movements. Figure 11 and enlarged Figures 17, 19, 43 and 44 particularly show flanges 6| carried on jaws for keeping and spacing combination rings.

The code may be changed when the combina- 25 tion rings are removed from the casing and the bent flanges straightened and new bends made to right and left on other parts about the combination rings as desired and the rings again replaced in the casing.

From the foregoing it will be seen that when one wishes to unlock the device, he must first move the combination rings according to the code through the proper turning and stopping motions of the combination head 36 to place the proper' 35 combination characters in alignment. After this is done, the head 36 is turned, which rotates the cam plate 4|, if the connection has been made between the cam plate 4| and the combination head 36, through the inward action of the key member 40 42. The connection is made when the key member 42 enters a key notch 69 of the cam plate 4|. The leverage furnished by the curved oblong slots 68 will lift the jaws outward through the action forced on the pins 65 within said slots 68 in the 4,-,

cam plate, as shown in Figure 9, and as the pins 65 enter the notches 66 of the combination rings, the jaws can in that case be opened to their full extent, so that their inner ends 8|] can be moved for example out of the annular groove 14 of the 50 bolt 1| and thus permit the bolt head 15 to be drawn from the casing or the casing from the bolt as before described. It is practically impossible to pick this lock, because the pins 65 cannot be brought to play over the notches 66 of the com- 65 ination rings in order to feel the code while the combination ring is being moved, as this system does not permit the springing of the jaws and j working of the combination at the same time. It

is impossible to take this lock apart while it is in 60 locked position as all the parts enter the casing from the large threaded opening 32 and as the bolt 1| seals the last entered set screw 18 and said set screw 18 is entirely enclosed when the casing is placed on the bolt 1 I. The combination head 36 85 closes the other end of the casing securely.

As the casing is rotatably arranged on the member 1 I, it will simply rotate about, if an attempt is made to twist the casing from the bolt 1|, and this system prevents a crowbar or the like from 70 securing a leverage on the casing as is the case in fiat locks and staple padlocks.

The curved bolt 1| as shown is provided with an enlargement, as for example a head 12 which may have a knurled portion 13 acting as nger 75 holds for the same purpose as the knurled portion 19 on the casing and may be grasped with the fingers of one hand while the combination head is operated with the fingers of the other hand so that the combination head 36 can be turned in the casing or the casing on the combination head 36 for the purpose to set the combination rings in alignment and to open and close the jaws.

This lock may be provided with an auxiliary cover to render it practically water-proof. Two rubber covers 81 and 88 are provided, as shown, attached in Figure 20 and in Figure 21, and separately shown in section in Figure 22. The opening 89 of cover 81 is stretched to t tightly around the bolt member 1I and the rims 90 of the covers 81 and 88 stretch tight around the center rim of the casing of the lock within a smooth space between the knurls 19, shown in Figure 21,

This lock may be provided with various forms of bolts 1| as shown in elevation in Figures 23, 24, 25 and 26. The attachment being shown in section and elevation (Figures 24 and 25) and the bolt 1| having a ball 93 adapted for univerrsal movement, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 24. The same bolt with two washer like plates enclosing the ball 93 of the bolt is shown in perspective in Figure 25. Another form of bolt is shown in perspective view in Figure 26.

From the foregoing it can be readily seen that the inside mechanism of the lock can be applied effectively to various uses. The mechanism within the cylindrical wall 33. of the casing 30 can serve as a steering wheel lock with only a minor change in the jaws, and some minor changes on the bolt, or a change in the closure member 16 or the steering wheel shaft |05, taking the place of the bolt 1| as particularly shown in Figures 28 and 35, in that the hub of the wheel houses the mechanism of the combination means and in that a steering wheel shaft |05 acts to lock the steering wheel, with mechanism of the lock to the shaft |05. The housing may also be a section or part of a door or part of a box, or that one part similar to I I1, Figure 46, of the casing takes the place of the closure member 16, Figure 3, and at the same time it will eliminate the jaw guide ring 8 I, in that the casing member I I1 possesses j aw guide grooves 58. The casing members II1 and II6 are in such case welded together or riveted together near the location |22 in Figures 45 and 46. One of the two casing members I I6 and I I1 may act as the main section of the housing in cases of various forms, but the section I I1 has a bore of the class for the purposes as shown in the closure member 16, and has jaw control grooves 58 as clearly pointed out in Figure 14. It can be seen that the actual function of the lock from Figure 1 to Figure 46 are alike in the relation of dial characters on the face of the housing with flanges and characters on flanges of combination rings. The general relation and like serviceable function between the combination-head and the key member, the point of the key member in relation with the combination rings and the cam plate, the cam plate with the jaw members, the jaw members with the jaws, the jaws in relation with the combination rings and with the jaw-guide grooves and the jaws of the lock in holding and releasing operation about a shackle in form of an intermediate annular alternation about a movable bolt or shaft is substantially the same in all forms of the invention.

While I have so far shown and particularly described the embodiments of the lock for various uses with bolts of several types for the lock of the classA described, I desire to further show in Figures 2'1 to 46, inclusive, general changes pertaining to said device within the same spirit of my invention, in that Figures 45 and 46 show how the closure member 16 of the type shown in Fig- 5 ures 1, 2 and 3 and the member 99 of Figures 28 to 44 can be converted into a housing section of a class such as II1, without departing from the spirit of my invention.- It can be further seen that the combination head 36 of Figures 2 and 3 lo can be applied to locks of the class as shown in Figures 33 to 46, and that the combination head IIO of Figures 33'to 36 can take the place of the combination head 36 of Figures 1, 2 and 3, since the functions are equal. The seal hole I|3 and seal l5 notch' I I4 of Figures 31 and 33 are used as shown in Figure 37 in that a seal wire 86 is drawn through said seal hole |I3 and notch I I4 and around a spoke of a steering wheel. Said seal hole with seal notch and seal groove 84 with seal 86 are 20 special accessories for giving a certain extra assurance to indicate that no unlawful attempt has been made to nd the combination code of the lock by chance, and said seal accessories are not absolutely necessary for 'the operation of the com- 25 binatlon means, but being a minor novelty which may be used on special occasions aside from the regular use of the lock in general. Figures 34 to 44 indicate like combination means of the class shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, applied about a shaft 30 and within a hub of a steering wheel having a cylindrical wall 33 and inner rim 3| as before described.

A steering wheel housing 98 (Figures 28, 29, 43 and 44) has one small open end 3| and closed 35 by a combination head IIO and a dial face 34 on the exterior side of the housing near said small open end.

A member 99 threaded in said open end has a centrally located bore |03 for a shaft housing |04 40 and a smaller bore |02 therein for a shaft and has members |06 in said bore |02 for engaging slots in the shaft.

A set screw 18 passing diagonally through the threaded hole 11, from a center bore in the mem- 4* ber 99 and part way into the spoke of the steering wheel or housing, is similar, to the threaded rim 32 or the housing, and engages the threaded hole 35 of the housing 98, (Figures 29 and 44). Said set screw head 18 is exposed near the bore of said 50 member 39.

A hollow shaft |05 has two annular grooves adapted to pass through the bore |02 of the member 99 and passes between jaws 64 in the casing, said jaws being double toothed to receive both an- 54 nular grooves |01 or collars I|8I I8'.

A jaw control ring 8| has transverse guide grooves 58 on one side for engaging the guide ribs 59 of the jaws for preventing the jaws from turning within the casing and for controlling and 60 guiding the jaws to and from the shaft in their releasing and closing movements, and said jaw control ring has a point 50 extending on the outer rim which rests in a groove 43 shown in the inner wall of the casing for preventing said guide ring 05 from turning Within the casing.

Jaws 64 have curved inner portions 80 engaging the annular grooves of the shaft I 05, and one guide rib 59 and one guide shield 60 on each jaw, and a plurality of guide flanges on each jaw 11 for holding the combination rings between said guide anges, and longitudinally extending hole through same guide shield and guide flanges of each jaw for a pin 65, same longitudinally extending pin on each jaw and said pins adapted for 15 preventing outward movement of the jaws to releasing position until the deep notches 66 ofthe combination rings 82 are properly aligned to permit the sides of said longitudinally extending pins to enter the notches 66, and said longitudinally extending pins reaching into curved oblong slots 68 of the cam plate 4| and being therein the means to force the jaws to releasing and closing action.

A key member 42 rests within a groove 44 of the combination head |I and has its point 83 engaging the combination rings from and to releasing position and said point of key member in a separate act engages one of the key notches 69 on the outer rim of the cam plate. Said key member has a key transmitter section III for transmitting the point 83 of the key member 42 from anges of the combination rings to the cam plate. 'I'he key transmitter I I I has beveled sides I2| fitting into under-cut groove |20, and the key transmitter has a knurled rim I I on each end in line with thecircular knurls I|9 of the combination head IIO. An accessory seal notch II4 and seal hole II3 near the said knurled rim II5, is a novelty applied to, and shown in Figure 37. A seal wire 86 is drawn through said seal hole and seal notch.

A combination head movably held within the rim 3| o-f a casing has a dial hand stamped in the outer face, an intermediate circular rim 38 and an annular shoulder rim 39, and crossing said rims is a longitudinal key groove 44. 'Ihe said combination head further has a centrally located bore |09 in line with a bore |I2 of the shaft |05 and the oblong hole |08 in the key transmitter. The said oblong hole |08 permits movement of the key transmitter and is positioned above the shaft |05, but said oblong hole |08 with bore |09 is useless and not present in a. lock of the class having a solid shaft |05, (Figure 28) and said oblong hole |08 with bore |09 is not present in a cornbination head I I0, if applied to a lock of the class shown in Figures 1,2 and 3 but a bore 31 as shown in Figures 7 and 46 is substituted for the bore |09 in such cases.

It will be seen that when one wishes to disconnect the control locking means between the steering wheel shaft and the steering wheel, the lock must first be unlocked, as shown, to permit the jaws to release the second collar I I8' of the shaft, and then close the jaws on the first collar IIB. This transferring of jaws from the second collar to the first collar also transfers the member |06 from the slots |00 of the shaft |05 and said member will be in such case locked out of reach of slots`|00 through the locking engagement of the jaws to the first collar I I8. To do this, rst move the combination rings according to the code through the proper turning and stopping motions of the combination head IIO to place the proper combination characters in alignment, as shown in Figure 44. After this is accomplished the point 83 of the key member 42 is moved from the flanges 61 of the combination rings into key notches 69 of the cam plate 4I through the slide action of the key transmitter section I I I, the connection between the cam plate and the combination ring is thereby established and a slight turn of the combination head will also turn the cam plate and the cam plate will lift the jaws outwardly, as shown in Figure 36.

The leverage for moving the jaws is furnished by oblong slots 68 located through the sides of the cam plate 4I as shown in Figure 9.

Thus it will be seen that the lock including the steering wheel is firmly disconnected from the shaft to permit' free wheeling to `the steering wheel while the shaft remains a t a stand still and will not turn with the wheel. Of course it will be necessary that the entire wheel with every direct part thereof must be moved on the 5 shaft |05 together with the jaws which are firmly located therein. It can instead be saidthat the shaft is partly moved from and to or partly in and out of the housing or of the lock to a distant space to allow the one orthe other of the two collars IIB' and |I8 to be moved between the jaws as desired. Figure 35 shows the jaws closed on the second collar II8 and member |06 locked into the slots |00, Figure 36 shows the second collar II8' released from the jaws, and 15 member |06 in the slots |00. Figures 37 and 44 show that the shaft is partly drawn from the lock and that the jaws are closed on the first collar II8 and that the slots |00 are also withdrawn from the members |06 of the member 99, 20 and that the shaft housing |04 is also withdrawn from the lock jointly with the shaft to expose the axis bore |03 but not withdrawn to the extent to permit a tool to be applied to the shaft,

such as a pipe wrench, and of course the jaws are 25,

locked to the first collar II8 to prevent connection between member |06 and slots |00 of the shaft as an auto theft prevention. The jaws are locked to the second collar as a safety means for preventing accidental disconnection between said member of the lock and slots of the shaft.

The device is locked, Figure 37, and unlocked by moving notches 66 of the combination rings again in alignment as shown in Figure 44, and after this is accomplished, the key member is again moved away from the combination rings and into said key notches of the same cam plate by like turning action of the combination head. This is done by the same united action between the combination head, the key member and cam plate, and through the cam plate being further connected with the jaws through pins in the jaws. The jaws are then moved outward to release the iirst collar, the shaft is then moved further into the lock for moving the second collar of the shaft between the double toothed jaws, (Figure 36) The action of the cam plate is then reversed to permit the jaws to close around the second collar of shaft, (Figure 35). Thus the key member 42 is moved again from con- 50 tact with the cam plate and into contact with flanges 61' of the combination rings, (Figures 43 and 44). A few turns of the combination head will disalign the combination rings and the device is rmly locked, thus preventing accidental disconnection between the members of the lock and the slots of the shaft. It can be seen that counter members I 0I are formed by slots- |00 and that said counter members of the shaft rest between the members |06, and said members are rmly screwed into the housing and locked thereto by a set screw 'I8. Thus it will be seen that the steering wheel is locked to the steering shaft in a manner to force both to turn together. The combination code is changed in the same manner as fully described for Figures 1 to 26 inclusive.

'Ihe operation of combination of the lock shown in Figures 1 to 25 is the same as shown in Figures 27 to 46. It is to be understood that in my claims I use the words casing or support in a broad sense, meaning any kind of an element or unit, such as parts 30 or 98, supportlng or surrounding the elements of my improved lock.

The device is practically weather proof as there are no free openings and as a further safeguard a. water proof tight rubber or other appropriate material covers the movable mechanism of the device, said cover being for outdoor use on the lock. A Washer member 16 or a. similar member 99 will screw in the casing firmly in one end, and the combination head closes snugly the other end. 'I'he members 16 and 99 are adjustable to take up wear and tear on the jaws, cam plate and combination head for keeping the lock in perfect working order and most dependable for service. The worn anges 61' of the combination rings may be straightened up and new anges with new side edges bent into service to right and left as desired. A member 99 or a washer member 16 serves also to cover up the mechanism in the housing and is adapted to effect a quick and easy assemblage and disassemblage of the entire lock for repairing or for eecting a change in the code of the combination.

Thus it will be seen that I have provided various specic locks of a certain class at a comparatively low cost, and which are adapted for a wide variety of uses, reliable and practically burglar proof due to the valid construction and the arrangements of the parts within the casing. Because of their sturdy construction they will last longer than any other lock. As the space within the lock is very small, and the lock is in general type round, (Figure 1), or encased Within a hub of a steering wheel or set into a wall or used on a strong box, it therefore will offer, not only greater resistance but will also lock the jaws more rmly so that it will be impossible to open them without complete destruction of the lock.

I claim:

1. In a combination lock, the combination with a support, of jaws on said support, combination rings on said jaws, means on said jaws spacing said rings, means for operating said rings, and means for moving said jaws on said spaced rings to a locked or unlocked position.

2. In a combination lock, the combination with a support, of a plurality of combination rings on said support, jaws provided with iianges, said -iianges spacing said rings, a cam comprising a plate provided with eccentric slots, means carried by said jaws and working in said slots for moving said jaws when said cam is rotated and moving said jaws on said rings, means for operating said rings, and means including said ring operating means for rotating said cam.

3. In a combination lock, the combination with a support, of a series of combination rings on said support, jaws provided with anges spacing said combination rings, a plate provided with eccentric slots, pintles passing through said eccentric slots and said jaws, and means for rst operatingsaid combination rings and then said plate.

4. In a combination lock, the combination with a. support, of rings on said support, a ange and a notch on each of said combination rings, jaws provided with anges for spacing said rings, a plate provided with eccentric slots, pintles passing through said jaws and through said eccentric slots, means for operating said combination rings to permit expansion of said jaws, and means for operating said plate.

5. In a combination lock, the combination with a support, of a series of combination rings on said support, jaws provided with flanges separating said combination rings, said jaws provided with guide means, a guide ring against said jaws with said guide means slidably mounted in said guide ring, a plate provided with eccentric slots, said jaws provided with means in said slots whereby the jaws are actuated when movement is imparted to said plate, means for operating said 5 combination rings, and means for operating said plate and jaws.

6. In a combination lock, the combination with a support, of a plurality of combination rings on said support, each ring being provided with integral anges, certain of said iianges being bent laterally and adapted to engage the iiange of the adjoining ring, means for operating said combination rings for moving same to a registering position, and locking means on said support and co-operating with said rings.

7. In a combination lock, the combination of a casing open at both ends, combination rings in said casing, jawsA in said casing in contact with said rings, a key member and a plate provided with eccentric slots within said casing, a closure member secured at one end oi.' said casing and provided with a bolt-receiving opening,

a combination head secured to the other end of said casing, said combination head provided with a bolt-receiving recess formed on its inner side, guide means in said casing, jaws slidably engaging said guide means, a plate in said casing contiguous to said jaws, said key member extending through said combination head and plate and engaging one of said rings in an operable position, whereby said rings can be moved to a set position, said jaws adapted to move outwardly within said rings when said rings are in a set position, said plate and jaws provided with meansy for operating said jaws when movement is imparted to said plate, and said key member adapted to operate said plate.

8. In a combination lock, the combination of a casing open at both ends, combination rings in said casing, jaws in said casing, a. key member and a cam comprising a. plate in said casing, a rot-ary dial face means on said casing provided with characters corresponding with like characters on the periphery of said combination rings, a closure ,15 member secured at one end of the casing, a combination head secured at the other end of said casing, said head provided with a bolt-receiving recess in its inner face, jaws mounted in said casing and co-operating with said combination rings, said cam rotatably mounted in said casing and engaged by said key member, a push button movably mounted on said head, a. coil spring in said head and pressing against said push button, said push button provided with a longitudinal opening or recess, and part of said key member resting in said longitudinal recess and having a part extending to said combination rings, and means on said combination rings and co-operating with said key member for operating said rings to cause the rings to move to a. set or unset position.

9. In a combinationlock, the combination of a support, a dial provided with graduations on said support, a series of combination rings provided with integrally formed flanges bent laterally at predetermined points and each of said rings formed with a series of notches, each flange engaging an adjoining ring, whereby the rings are operably connected, characters on said combination rings corresponding with the graduations on o said dial, means for operating said dial and combination rings, and locking means cooperating with said combination rings.

10. In a combination lock, the combination of a casing, a series of combination rings in said u casing, jaws provided with integrally formed fianges for separating and holding said combination rings, a cam comprising a plate provided with eccentric slots, means in said slots and extending from said jaws for imparting movement to said jaws when said cam is operated, means for operating said combination rings to allow releasing movement thereof and` also to prevent releasing movement of said jaws, and said operating means also adapted to operate said cam and thereby actuate said jaws.

11. In a combination lock, the combination of a casing, movable jaws in said casing, said jaws movable to form an annular locking member, a head adapted to close one end of said casing and provided with longitudinal locking contact means, a plurality of combination rings about said jaws, each of said combination rings provided with spaced notches to be moved into and out of alignment with said jaws, said longitudinal locking contact means adapted to enter some of said spaced notches, means for actuating said jaws, and means for actuating said combination rings.

12. In a combination lock, the combination of a casing, a dial lface on said casing provided with graduations, a plurality of combination rings each formed with a series of notches, said rings provided with integral side flanges, each flange contacting with an adjoining ring, characters on the periphery of said combination rings corresponding with the graduations on said dial face, jaws in said casing, and jaw-moving means for operating said jaws.

13. In a combination lock, the combination of 'a casing, a dial face on said casing having graduations, a series of combination rings in said casing, said rings each provided with saw cuts around its periphery whereby flanges are bent alternately at predetermined places on said rings, each flange engaging an adjoining ring, whereby rotary movement can be imparted to said rings, a cam comprising a plate in said casing, jaws in said casing and operably connected to said cam, and means for operating said rings and cam for moving said jaws'to a set or unset position.

14. In a combination lock, the combination with a support, said support provided with a center bore, a member inserted in said bore having a screw threaded opening, a screw passing through said screw threaded opening into said support, a shaft unit, a housing around the outer end over said shaft unit and inserted in said casing, notches at the upper end of said shaft, a closure, said closure having projections to enter said notches, combination rings, jaws having integrally formed anges for holding said combination rings in separated positions, a key member connected to said jaws, and means for operating the combination rings to allow the release and to prevent the release of the jaws from locking position.

15. In a combination lock, the combination of a cylindrical casing open at both ends, said casing having an inner rim at one end and a. threaded portion at the other end, a screw threaded member passing through said screw threaded portion, a movable shaft, a housing around the outer end of said shaft, notches on said shaft, projections provided on said screw threaded member to enter said notches, combination rings in said casing,

'jaws provided with flanges spacing said combination rings, jaw-control means, jaw-moving means, a key member.connected to said jawmoving means, and means for operating said combination rings to allow the release and prevent the release of said jaws from locking position with respect to said movable shaft.

16. In -a combination lock, the combination' with a support, of a plurality of combination rings having deep notches in said support, movable jaws on said support, anges carried by said jaws. said rings engaging said jaws and being separated by said flanges, guide means' on the side of said jaws to guide said jaws and to prevent said jaws from turning on said support, and means in said 10 support for moving said jaws from and towards releasing position and for preventing releasing position until said deep notches of said combination rings are properly aligned, and separate means carried by said support and operable from 15 the exterior for independently actuating the respective devices.

17. In a combination lock, the combination with a. support, of a shaft movably mounted in said support, a locking member` movably mount- 20 ed within said support and adapted to engage said shaft to lock the same in one of two positions, a plurality of members extending around said locking members and being independently movable relative thereto for allowing the move- 2:, ment of said locking members, and a combination head provided with means adapted to move all of the members.

18. In a combination lock, the combination with a support, of a shaft slidably mounted on 30 said support, said shaft provided with annular contacts and longitudinal contacts, locking members carried by said support and provided with sections adapted to lock upon said shaft, a plurality of combination rings extending about each of 35 said locking members provided with notches adapted to move into and out of alignment with parts of said locking members, said support enclosing said members, movable enclosed means protruding from said support and operable from 40 the exterior for independently actuating said members, and a closure member on said support.

19. In a combination lock, the combination of a support, a shaft on said support, said shaft provided with annular locking means and longi- 45 tudinal locking recesses, a cam comprising a plate adapted to expand and contract a set of jaws,

a movable set of jaws in said support and operated by said cam, said jaws operating around and adapted to contact with said shaft, a housing, 60

a closure member adapted to close said housing, said closure member provided with a longitudinally locking means adapted to enter the longitudinal locking recesses of said shaft, a plurality of combination rings positioned about said jaws, 55 each of said combination rings having unevenly spaced notches, a combination head, combination head members, a housing enclosing said head members, and said combination head and combination head members partly extending from said 60 support and cooperating with said jaws.

20. In a combination lock, the combination of a support, a movable shaft provided with longitudinal recesses and annular collars, locking members each having a section formed to hold 65 to said collars of said shaft, a plurality of operable devices controlling the movement of said locking members, a casing enclosing said devices, and separable means enclosably held in said casing and being operable from the exterior for consecutively dependently actuating the respective devices.

21. In a combination lock,'the combination of a movable shaft provided With longitudinally extending recesses, a locking member cooperating with said shaft and being provided with a longitudinal projection resting in one of said longitudinal recesses to prevent rotation of said shaft, spaced annular collars carried by said shaft, said collars cooperating with said shaft to hold same locked to said longitudinal projection, onev of said collars cooperating with said longitudinal projection of said locking member to hold same locked rotatably out of grasp from said longitudinal recesses of said shaft, locking members cooperating with said shaft, a plurality of operable devices to control movement of said locking members, a casing enclosing said devices, and separate means enclosably held in said casing and operable from the exterior thereof, for consecutively actuating the respective devices.

22. In a combination lock, the combination of a support having a cylindrical bore, said bore having an inner rim at one end and a closure at the other end, a key-member-moving means against said inner rim, a key member connected to said key-member-moving means, combination rings on said support, jaws provided with flanges separating said combination rings, jaw-moving means cooperating with said jaws and said keymember, jaw guiding means for said jaws, and means on said rings and jaws to release' or prevent the release of said jaws from locking-positions.

23. In a combination lock, the combination of a support, a movable shaft on said support, said shaft provided with a longitudinal recess, a lock member provided with a longitudinally extending projection and adapted to rest in said longitudinal recess, spaced annular collars carried by said shaft, one of said collars adapted to hold said shaft, locked in connection with said longitudinally extending projection, another of said collars adapted to hold said projection locked rotatably from said longitudinal recess to allow free rotation of said shaft within the lock, jaws provided with a section adapted to hold to a collar of said shaft, a plurality of operable devices to control movement of said locking members, a casing enclosing said devices, and separate means enclosably held in said support and being operable from the exterior thereof for consecutively dependently actuating the respective devices.

JOHN scHLI'rz.' 

